Panic Disorder Treatment in Portland, ME | Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

Understanding Panic Disorder

What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — sudden surges of intense fear that peak within minutes and cause powerful physical symptoms. Many people fear they're having a heart attack or losing control.

The fear of future attacks can lead people to avoid places and activities, shrinking their world. The encouraging news: panic disorder responds very well to evidence-based therapy, often with lasting results.

Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry reception area in Portland, Maine — Our Portland, Maine clinic

Recognizing the Signs

Common Signs & Symptoms

Everyone is different, and this list is not exhaustive. A licensed clinician can provide an accurate evaluation.

Racing or pounding heart
Shortness of breath or a choking sensation
Chest pain or tightness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Trembling, sweating, or chills
Feelings of unreality or detachment
Fear of losing control or dying
Avoiding places where attacks have occurred

By the Numbers

Panic Disorder in Context

2-3%

of U.S. adults experience panic disorder each year

Minutes

panic attacks typically peak within about 10 minutes

Highly

responsive to cognitive behavioral therapy

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health; Anxiety & Depression Association of America.

Types & Presentations

Panic & Related Patterns

Panic Attacks

What it is: Sudden episodes of intense fear with strong physical symptoms.

Signs: Racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, dread.

How we treat it: CBT with interoceptive exposure.

Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

What it is: Avoidance of places where escape or help might be difficult.

Signs: Avoiding crowds, transit, or leaving home.

How we treat it: Graded exposure and CBT; medication when needed.

Anticipatory Anxiety

What it is: Persistent worry about having another attack.

Signs: Hypervigilance to normal body sensations.

How we treat it: Cognitive strategies and skills practice.

How We Help

Treatment for Panic Disorder at Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

Panic disorder is one of the most treatable anxiety conditions. We lead with CBT — the gold standard — and add careful medication management when it helps.

Primary Treatment

Therapy & Counseling

For panic disorder, we most often lead with Therapy & Counseling. Explore how it works and whether it's right for you.

Learn About Therapy & Counseling

Other treatments we may combine or consider:

Psychiatry & Medication Management

Our Approach

Evidence-Based Care

Our clinicians tailor proven approaches to your needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

the most effective treatment for panic disorder.

Interoceptive exposure

safely reduces fear of the body's panic sensations.

Breathing & grounding skills

practical tools to manage attacks in the moment.

Relapse prevention

keeps your gains durable over time.

Medication Management

When appropriate, our prescribers favor effective, non-habit-forming medications and monitor closely, avoiding over-reliance on medications that carry dependence risk.

Explore Psychiatry

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Panic attacks are intensely uncomfortable but not physically dangerous. Treatment helps your body and mind learn that, reducing both frequency and fear.

Many people recover with CBT alone; others benefit from combining therapy with medication. We'll recommend what fits you.

Many people see significant improvement within 8–12 sessions of focused CBT.

Panic Disorder Treatment in Portland, Maine